Looking at the Future
For many years the Dutch style of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) has dominated the market, but now, for a number of reasons, developers and investors alike are taking another look at what Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) can offer. In this issue on page 7 we publish an article that takes a brief look at the technical reasons why this type of machine deserves closer scrutiny in the form of smaller machines for the built environment, or larger machines for wind farms and offshore applications.
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{access view=!registered}Only logged in users can view the full text of the article.{/access}{access view=registered}Another development is the introduction of 3D visualisation software in the wind energy industry. The primary barrier to many developments has been the visual impact of a wind farm and how it affects the landscape. As a result it became necessary to provide tools for the wind farm developers that help them to present the visual impact of a wind farm to the permitting authorities.
The major advance of 3D software is the ability to model the artefacts in the landscape. So, not just turbines, but also forests, trees, hedges and buildings, can be added in a straightforward manner, giving the permitting authorities a more accurate vision of the proposed development. On page 24 you will find the whole article.
Reader Survey
We also keep a close eye on the future. Our editorial team is always trying to enhance the level of service to our readers. Therefore we poll our subscribers regularly to establish a better publisher-reader relationship. Based on the latest survey conducted this summer, with a response of 9.8%, our readers value Windtech International as a valuable source and we are succeeding in our goals.
For 62% of the readership the technical focus of Windtech International is the main reason to read our magazine. Of our respondents, 80% (67% in the previous survey) regard the quality of the magazine as excellent or good and 19% as satisfactory. Only 1% sees room for improvement. The topicality is regarding by 77% (59% in the previous survey) as excellent or good and for 33% satisfactory. A total of 90% of our readers keep Windtech International after they read it for future purposes. On average, the magazine is read by 3.2 persons within each organisation. This means that Windtech International reaches more than 12,000 people in the industry.
I would like to thank all participants for helping us to continue to improve our magazine and I welcome your suggestions.
Windtech International releases Media Planner 2008
Looking ahead is important. Why not include Windtech International in your promotional activities to ensure you reach a truly international readership? For 2008 we have prepared a Media Planner containing dates of magazine issues, and copy guidelines/deadlines for contributors, circulation, advertising possibilities, etc. Feel free to contact me to receive the 2008 Media Planner.
Enjoy reading!
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